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No matter how badly you suck at memorizing, there's always a way (or ten) in.

Most online videos made with non-actors shine when there is no script, since non-actors tend to do best when speaking off the cuff.

But sometimes you need a script and you need to memorize. Maybe you want to do a direct address sales video. Or you want to create an online course with certain pieces that need to be exact. Or you just want to do something creative and fun that requires a script.

That's fine and dandy. But how do you go about doing the memorizing?

Well, you're in luck because I happen to have many years of memorization under my belt. Aside from creating videos, I'm also an actor. And I have a penchant for solo theatre. That means memorizing 60 plus minutes of monologue. That's about 30 pages of text. Sounds hard, right?

It is, and it isn't.

Like most people, I am not a born memorization genius. Some people have glue-like memories. Not me.

Unless, there are some key ingredients in place.

So here they are - the top memorization techniques that can help you memorize as mine lines of dialogue or monologue as you're crazy enough to want to learn.

1. Movement.

Walk and talk my friend. Go for a walk with your script. Pace around the house with your script. Rehearse actions on your script. Just move your ass, and those words will stick longer and more easily in your brain.

2. Know why you're saying it.

What are you trying to communicate? Focus on the why behind each line. What is my goal with each line? Find the feeling inside yourself that connects to that goal.

3. Breathe!

If you don't have oxygen running through your body by the truck load memorization becomes much more difficult. Allow your ribs to expand, your belly to hang out and your breath to be deep. Think about how babies breathe; that's what you're aiming for.

4. Release tension.

The better you are at releasing tension the more you'll be able to retain what you're memorizing. Breathe and release tension throughout the whole memorization process.

5. Connect the images in your text to images in your mind.

If you're telling a story, see the story in your mind as you run the lines. Paint the picture in your head and you'll be able to recall it better.

6. Stay hydrated.

It's hard for your brain to work when it's dehydrated. And your vocal cords will thank you too. So that means drink water 2 hours before memorization starts. Yup, it's that specific.

7. Speak out loud!

Whatever you do don't try and memorize a speech or lines or anything inside your head. Speak the speech I pray thee!

8. Take lots of breaks.

Work away for ten to twenty minutes. Then take five minute break. Come back. Rinse and repeat. Do this a few days in a row and you should be ready to go. Your brain works better when it can start and re-start.

9. Talk to someone (real or imaginary).

Remember that you're human, not a robot. Humans talk to other people, not to the wall. So focus on the words you're saying and who you're saying them to. Your ideal client perhaps? Imagine them in your minds eye and say the words.

10. Keep the script in your hand until you don't need it.

Don't force yourself to get off the page early. Give yourself the gift of time. Look down at the paper as much as you need to. Eventually you will find yourself not needing the paper at all.

That's it! And don't worry if you aren't memorized in one session. Or if you come back the next day and can't remember anything. Your mind is working. Trust yourself. The process always works. It just works a little differently for every person.

-Colette NicholStory Envelope Media, Vancouver, BC

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